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Texas LLC · Step 1 of 8 · Verified June 2026

Texas LLC Name Search — Step 1 of 8

A Texas LLC name search is the first thing you do before filing — it confirms your name is available and follows Texas's naming rules, so your $300 filing isn't rejected. This guide explains the rules, gives you a free name compliance checker, and shows you exactly where to confirm availability with the state.

Ahmad Adil Written & verified by Ahmad Adil, LLC School·Updated June 2026
Quick Answer

Your Texas LLC name must (1) include a designator like "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company," (2) be distinguishable from every existing Texas entity, and (3) avoid restricted words like "bank" or "university" without state approval. Run a free check on the Texas Comptroller's Taxable Entity Search, confirm with the Secretary of State, then file your Certificate of Formation — or reserve the name for $40 if you're not ready yet.

Step 1 — Fast Facts
Required designator
LLC, L.L.C., etc.
Standard
Must be distinguishable
Free search
Comptroller entity search
Official search
SOSDirect ($1 each)
Preliminary check
SOS 512-463-5555
Name reservation
$40 · 120 days (Form 501)
Assumed name (DBA)
$25 (Form 503)
Next step
Step 2: Agent →

Why the Name Search Comes First

Your Texas LLC name is the one detail that can get your entire formation rejected. The $300 Certificate of Formation fee is non-refundable, so if you file a name that's already taken or breaks a rule, you lose the money and start over.

A two-minute Texas LLC name search up front prevents that. You're checking two things: that no other Texas business already has a name too similar to yours, and that your name follows the state's formatting rules. Get both right and Step 3 — filing your Certificate of Formation — goes through cleanly.

Texas LLC Name Compliance Checker

Type your proposed name below. This tool checks it against Texas's formatting rules — the required designator and restricted words — then gives you the "core name" to search against the state's records. It can't read the state database for you, but it catches the formatting mistakes that cause most rejections.

Texas LLC Name Compliance Checker
Checks designator + restricted words · suggests your search term

Enter the full name you want, including "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company."

Texas LLC Naming Rules (TBOC §5.053–5.056)

Texas naming rules are governed by the Texas Business Organizations Code. There are three that matter for nearly every LLC: the designator, distinguishability, and restricted words.

1. Your name must include an LLC designator

Under §5.056, your Texas LLC name must end with one of these approved designators. "LLC" is the most common and universally accepted:

LLC L.L.C. Limited Liability Company Limited Company LC L.C. Ltd. Liability Co. Limited Liability Co.

You can't substitute a corporate ending like "Inc.," "Corp.," or "Ltd." on its own — those signal a different entity type. Texas accepts the name with or without a comma before the designator (both "Acme Tools LLC" and "Acme Tools, LLC" are fine).

2. Your Name Must Be "Distinguishable"

Under §5.053, your name has to be distinguishable in the records of the Secretary of State from every existing entity, registered foreign entity, and active name reservation. A 2018 law (HB 2856) loosened the old, very rigid standard, but you still can't be too close to an existing name.

What does not make a name distinguishable:

  • A different designator. "Sarah's Styles LLC" and "Sarah's Styles Inc." are not distinguishable.
  • Articles and conjunctions. "Coffee House," "A Coffee House," and "The Coffee House" are all the same name.
  • Punctuation, spacing, or plurals. "Stride Fitness" and "Strides Fitness" are treated as identical.

What does make a name distinguishable: genuinely different words, a different proper noun, a geographic modifier ("Houston Stride Fitness"), or an industry qualifier ("Stride Strength Fitness"). When in doubt, change a real word — not just punctuation.

Search the core word firstBecause Texas ignores the designator when judging conflicts, search your core words without "LLC" first — that gives you the broadest view of potential conflicts. Then run a couple of variations with plurals and common add-ons like "Group" or "Services."

3. Restricted and Prohibited Words

Some words are blocked outright; others require written approval from a state agency before you can use them:

  • Government implications — words like "FBI," "Treasury," or "State Department" that suggest you're a government agency are not allowed.
  • "Bail Bond" is prohibited in an LLC name, as is anything implying illegal activity or that's grossly offensive.
  • "Bank," "Trust," "Trust Company" — allowed only with authorization from the Texas Banking Commissioner.
  • "College," "University," "Law School" — require approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
  • "Insurance," "Olympic" — need authorization from the relevant regulator or the U.S. Olympic Committee.

There's a free way and an official way — use both:

  1. Free first pass — Texas Comptroller Taxable Entity Search. The Comptroller's database covers nearly every active Texas entity and is free. Search your core words here to catch obvious conflicts before spending anything.
  2. Official check — SOSDirect. The Secretary of State's SOSDirect portal is the authoritative source for distinguishability and reserved names. It requires an account and charges about $1 per search. This is the database the examiners actually use.
  3. Confirm with the SOS directly. For a preliminary determination, call the Corporations Section at 512-463-5555 or email your name inquiry. A search is only a screening tool — the final determination is made when your document is processed.

A search is a screen, not a guaranteeThe Secretary of State notes that name availability isn't finally determined until your Certificate of Formation is actually received and reviewed. If your name is borderline, calling 512-463-5555 first is the safest move before you pay the $300.

Reserving Your Texas LLC Name

If your name is available but you're not ready to file yet — you're still lining up partners, financing, or a launch date — you can reserve it. File a Name Reservation (Form 501) through SOSDirect or by mail for $40. It holds the name for 120 days and can be renewed in 30-day windows.

For most people, reserving isn't necessary — if you're ready to file now, just file. The reservation is worth it only when there's a real gap between picking the name and filing.

Using a Different Name (Assumed Name / DBA)

Want your LLC to operate publicly under a name different from its legal name? File an Assumed Name Certificate (Form 503) with the Secretary of State for $25. This lets "Smith Holdings LLC" do business as "Lone Star Lawn Care" without forming a second entity.

One caveat: unlike your legal LLC name, an assumed name gives you no exclusivity — multiple businesses can register the same DBA, and it adds no liability protection of its own.

Ahmad Adil's Take: Don't order business cards, signage, or a logo until your Certificate of Formation is actually approved. I've watched founders fall in love with a name, brand everything around it, then get rejected for a near-match they didn't catch. Search the core words on the free Comptroller tool, call 512-463-5555 if it's close, and only then commit. And always lock down the matching domain and social handles the same day you confirm the name.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Texas LLC Name Search — FAQ

How do I do a Texas LLC name search for free?
Use the Texas Comptroller's Taxable Entity Search, which is free and covers nearly every active Texas business. Search your core words (without "LLC") to spot conflicts. For the authoritative check, the Secretary of State's SOSDirect portal charges about $1 per search, and you can call the Corporations Section at 512-463-5555 for a preliminary determination at no cost.
What words must a Texas LLC name include?
Your name must end with an approved designator: "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," "LC," "L.C.," "Ltd. Liability Co.," or "Limited Liability Co." Most owners simply use "LLC." You cannot substitute a corporate ending like "Inc." or "Corp.," which signal a different entity type.
What makes two Texas business names "not distinguishable"?
Texas ignores cosmetic differences. A different designator (LLC vs. Inc.), articles or conjunctions ("the," "a," "and"), punctuation, spacing, and plurals/possessives do not make a name distinguishable. To be distinguishable, you need genuinely different words, a different proper noun, a geographic modifier, or an industry qualifier. "Stride Fitness LLC" and "Strides Fitness LLC" would be treated as the same name.
How much does it cost to reserve a Texas LLC name?
Reserving a name costs $40 via Form 501, filed through SOSDirect or by mail. The reservation holds your name for 120 days and can be renewed in 30-day increments. It's optional — if you're ready to file your Certificate of Formation now, you don't need to reserve first. It's mainly useful when there's a delay before filing.
Can I use a name that's only slightly different from an existing LLC?
Usually not — if the difference is only punctuation, a designator, an article, or a plural, Texas treats it as the same name and will reject your filing. There is one exception: if your name isn't distinguishable from an existing entity but you obtain that entity's written consent, the Secretary of State may accept your filing.
Do I need a DBA for my Texas LLC?
Only if you want to operate under a name different from your LLC's legal name. In Texas, a DBA is called an Assumed Name, filed with the Secretary of State on Form 503 for $25. Keep in mind an assumed name offers no exclusivity (others can register the same one) and adds no liability protection — it's simply a public notice that your LLC trades under another name.
Does searching a name reserve it?
No. A name search only tells you whether a name appears available right now — it doesn't hold the name for you. Another filer could claim it before you do. To lock it in, either file your Certificate of Formation or file a Name Reservation (Form 501) for $40. Availability is only finally confirmed when the state processes your formation document.
Ahmad Adil, founder of LLC School
About the Author
Ahmad Adil

Ahmad Adil is the founder and CEO of LLC School. The naming rules on this page were verified against Texas Business Organizations Code §5.053–5.056 and the Texas Secretary of State's Name Filings FAQ and fee schedule. LLC School updates its Texas guides whenever the state changes its process or fees.

About Ahmad Adil → Texas LLC Overview →
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